A confirmed outbreak of bird flu in northern Okanagan is an “extremely low risk” to public health, but new health measures are being implemented, the Minister of Agriculture and Food of British Columbia said on Thursday.
Lana Pofam said the Canadian Food Inspection Agency had detected the presence of avian influenza on a farm in North Okanagan and was leading the investigation and response, with the province’s support for testing, mapping, monitoring and disposal.
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“The ministry is also activating its emergency operations center and will work with the CFIA, manufacturers, industry and other stakeholders to respond effectively to this outbreak and any others that may arise in British Columbia.
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“All poultry farmers, including backyard poultry owners, are encouraged to increase their biosecurity practices and be vigilant and watch for signs of avian influenza in their flocks,” Pofam said in a statement.
“To further protect farmers and prevent the spread of avian influenza in British Columbia, the Deputy Chief Veterinarian has issued an order requiring all commercial poultry flocks in the province with more than 100 birds to be relocated indoors by the end of spring migration. In May.
If avian influenza is suspected, poultry producers should contact the local veterinarian or the provincial animal health center immediately for advice and information.
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“The risk to public health is extremely low and there is no risk to food safety.
“I know this is an incredibly stressful time for our poultry and egg producers. They have endured so much in the last two years. They have shown that they are really resilient. We are here to help and we will work together to overcome this. “
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Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada says the food industry is making adjustments to keep supplies of poultry and eggs in the face of the big bird flu outbreak in Canada and around the world.
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The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it has been an unprecedented year worldwide for bird flu or bird flu, as it is also known.
Outbreaks of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain have been found not only in British Columbia, but also in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Alberta since late 2021.
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As of April 11, about 260,000 birds had been euthanized or killed by the virus in Canada. Approximately 166,000 of them are in Alberta and 84,000 are in Ontario.
While most forms of bird flu are mild, H5N1 can cause serious illness and death in birds.
To contact the BC Animal Health Center, call 1 800 661-9903 or send an email to PAHB@gov.bc.ca
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– with files from The Canadian Press
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